The A361, a crucial road crossing the Somerset Levels, will be closed for the entire summer holiday period to facilitate the replacement of aging traffic lights. This vital route links Taunton to several Somerset villages and connects with the A39 towards Street and Glastonbury, as well as the A372 heading to Langport.
Somerset Council has announced that the closure will affect the stretch of the A361 at Burrowbridge, specifically over the bridge crossing the River Parrett. This closure is necessary to replace traffic signals that have been in service for over 30 years and are nearing the end of their lifespan.
The shutdown will begin in late July and continue through to early September, coinciding with local schools’ summer holidays. During this time, motorists should prepare for a significant diversion, which will route traffic away from Burrowbridge to reduce congestion. The diversion will send drivers eastbound along the A361 to Walford Cross, then onto the A38 through North Petherton, through Bridgwater, and taking the A372 towards Westonzoyland and Othery. This detour can add up to 21 miles to journeys in each direction.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for highways and transport, emphasized the necessity of the work: “The traffic lights are at the end of their service life, and doing nothing is not an option. The summer holidays provide the best window to minimize the impact when school traffic is lower.”
The council has engaged the local community, holding a drop-in session at Burrowbridge Coronation Hall to share details and gather feedback. The upgrade plans also include widening parts of the kerbs near the bridge to enhance pedestrian space near the River Parrett Trail. Additionally, the existing signalized crossing on the western side of the bridge will be upgraded, and kerbs on the eastern side will be repaired or replaced.
Following the traffic light replacement, the council intends to resurface a long stretch of the A361, providing smoother travel through Burrowbridge village and the approach to the historic Burrow Mump site.
Work is set to begin with temporary traffic lights on June 29, maintaining normal access. Partial nighttime closures between 6 pm and 6 am will be announced in advance during this phase. From July 23, the road will be fully closed until early September, though access for residents and businesses, including The King Alfred Inn, will be maintained at all times.
Councillor Wilkins reassured the community, “We understand concerns about disruption. We will ensure clear signage reminds everyone that Burrowbridge businesses remain open during the works, and our teams will work swiftly to complete the project.”
For further information or to voice concerns during the closure, the public can contact project liaison officer Syed Shah at [email protected] or by phone at 07812 449605.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys carefully and expect delays throughout the summer.